1. Normal Farm Practice Regulations 1972 Massachusetts enacted the Wetland Protection Act (WPA). “work performed for the normal maintenance and improvement of agricultural and forestry use” was exempted from regulation in the original statute.

2. In 1984 the language was changed from “FOR” agricultural use to “normal maintenance and improvement on land “IN” agricultural use. The exemption deteriorated as Conservation Commissions and farmers grappled over what were the uses of various parts of the farm.

3. To a farmer…all of their land is in agricultural use sooner or later…

4. In 1991 at the urging of farm groups, Massachusetts enacted the Normal Farm Practice Amendment to clarify the exemption with a set of regulations

5. A Farmland Advisory Committee was established to advise DEP on clarifying the Agricultural exemption  Of the 7 appointments to the Committee, only 2 were farmers!  The committee met for 20 months and in May 1993 new regulations defining Normal Ag Practices were promulgated.  The forestry regulations were completed in Nov 1995.

6. Normal Farm Practice Regulations..defined practices impacting wetlands such as…  Enlarging a farm pond.  Cleaning an irrigation canal.  Replacing a pump along a river or stream.  Repairing a dike.  Repairing storm damage

7. “ Normal Practices” were meant to define what farmers would expect to do in order to manage and improve their farms. Including managing pests. Removing trees along a field edge. Plowing fields. Installing irrigation pipes. Repairing drainage and ditches.

8. “Normal” Improvements which can be expanded or new, are subject to NRCS Standards and are conditional

9. Flow-Through Bog By-Pass Channel

10. And Here it is!

11. Renovated and replanted

12. Renewable Energy Pumping Station

13. Planning for Bees

14. Normal isn’t necessarily Best Management Practices which are always evolving and often require significant investment in technologies.